Click on link
below
Table
of Contents
Why an Action
Plan?
Selsey Biodiversity
Partnership
Aims
Scope of Plans
Coastal Vegetated
Shingle
Hedgerows
Reed Beds and
Saline Lagoons
Trees,Woodland
and Scrub
Road Verges
Grassland
Rifes and Ditches
Urban Area
Ponds
Awareness and
Involvement
Future
Developments
Chichester
Community
website
Back to Selsey
Main Page
site designed by
mecyclops email

SELSEY ACTION FOR WILDLIFE


A Local Biodiversity Action Plan
For Selsey Parish

tel.01243 607104


Reed-beds and Saline Lagoons

Habitat Definition for Saline Lagoons
'Saline lagoons are essentially bodies of saline [salty] water that are partially separated from the adjacent sea'
Current Status and Distribution
The Severals are saline lagoons which are surrounded by the only significant reedbeds outside of the nature reserve. There is an urgent need for better management of these habitats as the lagoons are drying out and scrub is encroaching. They are within the SSSI but outside of the nature reserve.
Importance
Both are rare habitats in the UK. Saline lagoons are of international importance. 'Reedbeds are amongst the most important habitats for birds in the UK'. [Sussex Reedbeds HAP p. 3] They are also important for invertebrates with some of our rarest species depending on them.
Saline lagoons are also important for invertebrates and birds, especially waders, wildfowl and seabirds which use them as feeding and roosting sites. [Sussex Saline Lagoons HAP p.3]
Local Significance
Field names [1672 and 1778] indicate that in the 17th and 18th centuries the land along the western boundary of the parish was very marshy, hence there may have been more areas of reedbed here at this time prior to extensive drainage schemes.
The Severals are an historic feature and valued by local birdwatchers.
Threats
· The lagoons are being overtaken by natural succession: spread of reeds and encroaching scrub.
· Drying out
· Pollution by agricultural run-off
· Sea level rise
· Lack of appropriate management
· Coastal squeeze
Objectives
1. Encourage and assist in reedbed management.
2. Encourage the planting of new areas of reed, where appropriate.

ACTIONS


Action proposed in Sussex HAPS Action proposed in Selsey Parish
Identify reedbed creation opportunities for wastewater/pollution treatment. [Reedbeds HAP]Investigate novel markets for reed products and means of enlarging existing markets. [Reedbeds HAP] Involve the community in the planting and management of new sections of reedbed in East Beach pond.Explore possible local uses for reed.
Encourage active involvement by local groups in managing lagoon sites.[Saline Lagoons HAP] Promote active local involvement in the practical management of the Severals in collaboration with Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, English Nature and the landowner.


For any opinions or feedback or any
other information please contact
telephone 01243 607104
or email ssavill@lineone.net

Back to Table
of Contents

Back to Selsey
Main Page

© Selsey Parish Map Group June 2002